Online Parenting Program for Forcibly Displaced Families

(PIMonline Trial)

Overseen By Martha Project Manager, B.S.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Arizona State University

Disqualifiers: Prisoners, Impaired decision-making, Active psychosis, others

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 16

720 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This Randomized Controlled Trial will test the effectiveness of the Parenting in the Moment (PIM) online parenting program for parents with experiences of forced displacement. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a summative (impact) evaluation of the PIM online parenting program as an in-home parent, skill-based program for parents of school-aged children, using a randomized controlled trial research design with community partnerships that inform the research throughout. The longer-term objectives are to build the evidence-base for in-home parent skill-based programs with strong empirical support (i.e., eligible for listing on the Families First Clearinghouse) and increase access to parenting programs for forcibly displaced families thereby improving child safety and wellbeing and strengthening their public health support. 720 families will be recruited with forced migration backgrounds and within 10 years of arrival in the USA; 360 families will be assigned to the PIMonline program and 360 to a family resource list only, wait-list control group. Families will be recruited using stratified random sampling within the four PIM language groups: English, Spanish, Arabic, French. Within each language, half the families will be assigned to the PIMonline intervention program and the other half will be assigned to receiving a Family Resource List with access to the PIMonline program once the study ends. One parent and one child per eligible family may participate. Data collection with participating families will take place at baseline (T1), 4-months after baseline (T2) and finally, 16 months after baseline (T3). Data collection includes caregiver online surveys, caregiver and child Zoom recorded Family Interaction Task conversations and interviewer administered child surveys for children aged 8-12 at each time point. Standardized, reliable and valid measures in the four languages will be used to assess change in outcomes through the surveys. Longitudinal growth curve analysis will be used to test PIM intervention effects. Our extensive dissemination plan involves nationwide community partners in child welfare and services to forcibly displaced families.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on evaluating a parenting program, so it's unlikely to require changes to your medication.

What data supports the effectiveness of the Parenting in the Moment Online Program (PIM) for forcibly displaced families?

Research on similar online parenting programs shows they can help improve parenting skills and reduce child behavior problems. For example, studies found that online programs like the '5-a-Day Parenting Program' and 'Triple P Online Brief' were feasible and showed improvements in child behavior and parenting, especially when parents engaged with the program. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Online Parenting Program for Forcibly Displaced Families safe for participants?

The available research on online parenting programs, including those similar to the Parenting in the Moment Online Program, suggests they are generally well-received and feasible to implement. However, specific safety data for this program is not detailed in the studies, and while some parents reported increased stress, these programs are generally considered safe for use. ^{2 5 6 7 8}

How is the Parenting in the Moment Online Program (PIM) treatment different from other treatments for forcibly displaced families?

The Parenting in the Moment Online Program (PIM) is unique because it is specifically designed for forcibly displaced families and delivered entirely online, making it accessible to those who may not have access to traditional in-person support. This online format allows for broader reach and flexibility, which is particularly beneficial for families who have been displaced and may face barriers to accessing conventional parenting programs. ^{2 7 9 10 11}

Research Team

Abigail Gewirtz, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Arizona State University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for families who have been forcibly displaced within the last 10 years and are now in the USA. It's specifically for parents of school-aged children who speak English, Spanish, Arabic, or French. One parent and one child from each family can join. Families already using a similar online parenting program cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I can participate and respond in English, Spanish, Arabic, or French.

The Parent is able to consent for self and Child If the PCG does not have the legal right to provide Parent permission for the Child to participate, the Child's legal Parent/Caregiver can provide consent while the PCG actively participates in the study with the Child

I am the main caregiver for a child aged 6-12 who lives with me at least half the time.

Exclusion Criteria

Prisoners

I have difficulty making decisions due to my health condition.

Disclosed active psychosis of Parent or Child

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Online eligibility screening form

Baseline Data Collection

Baseline data collection including caregiver online surveys, Family Interaction Task conversations, and child surveys

4 weeks

Online and virtual visits

Intervention

Caregivers assigned to the intervention condition receive the PIMonline program and a Family Resource List

4 months

Online program access

Posttest Data Collection

Posttest data collection at 4 months including caregiver surveys, Family Interaction Tasks, and child surveys

4 weeks

Online and virtual visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for long-term outcomes and effectiveness of the intervention

16 months

Online and virtual visits at 16 months posttest

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Parenting in the Moment Online Program

Trial Overview The study tests an online parenting program called Parenting in the Moment (PIM) to see if it helps improve skills for parents with forced migration backgrounds. Half of the participating families will use PIM while the other half will receive a resource list only as a control group.

Participant Groups

Group I: Parenting Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive the PIMonline program and a list of Parenting resources.

Group II: Control Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a list of Parenting resources. Once the study period ends, they will be given access to the PIMonline program.

Parenting in the Moment Online Program is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Parenting in the Moment for:

• Support for parents with experiences of forced displacement
• Improvement of child safety and wellbeing
• Strengthening public health support for forcibly displaced families

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Arizona State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

311

Recruited

109,000+

Department of Health and Human Services

Collaborator

Trials

240

Recruited

944,000+

Findings from Research

The ezParent program, a tablet-based adaptation of a parent training program, was used by 59 parents of young children in low-income areas, revealing that those who completed more modules experienced greater benefits from the program.

Parents who faced barriers to completing the modules were less likely to report benefits, indicating that understanding user experiences can help improve the design and effectiveness of digital parenting interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Low-Income Parents' Perceptions of and Engagement With a Digital Behavioral Parent Training Program: A Mixed-Methods Study. Brager, J., Breitenstein, SM., Miller, H., et al.[2021]

A study involving 160 low-income parents showed that most had good access to the internet and were comfortable using it, indicating a strong potential for internet-based parent training programs.

In a pilot study with 89 parents, while there was high initial interest in an online parenting program, only 9% reported frequent use, highlighting the need for strategies to encourage deeper engagement with the program.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of Internet-based Parent Training for Low-income Parents of Young Children. McGoron, L., Hvizdos, E., Bocknek, EL., et al.[2019]

Parents who participated in the Triple P Online Brief program showed greater improvements in child behavior when they had higher initial behavior problems, were older, and experienced more conflict over parenting, indicating that these factors can help identify families who may benefit most from online interventions.

Improvements in parenting skills were linked to higher initial levels of ineffective parenting, while younger children and less disagreement among parents were associated with completing the program, suggesting that certain family dynamics influence engagement and outcomes in online parenting programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors of Program Use and Child and Parent Outcomes of A Brief Online Parenting Intervention. Baker, S., Sanders, MR.[2018]

The online training program significantly improved resource parents' knowledge and reports of their children's positive behavior immediately after the intervention, with 82 participants involved in the study.

Parents who completed the training reported high satisfaction and felt that the workshop positively impacted their parenting skills and their children's noncompliant behavior, although the knowledge gains were the only significant difference maintained at the 3-month follow-up.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Understanding and Parenting Children's Noncompliant Behavior: The Efficacy of an Online Training Workshop for Resource Parents. White, L., Delaney, R., Pacifici, C., et al.[2020]

The brief, online mindful parenting program called Two Hearts was found to be feasible and acceptable for parents, with all six participants completing the 4-week program and reporting lasting benefits.

Three out of six parents showed a reliable reduction in parenting stress after the program, with two achieving clinically significant improvements, indicating potential effectiveness for some parents, though adherence and dosage need further exploration.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A brief online mindful parenting program: Feasibility and initial effects pilot in a community sample. Sherwood, A., Paynter, J., Emerson, LM.[2023]

A new online parenting program, based on the evidence-based GenerationPMTO intervention, was found to be highly acceptable to participants and showed preliminary effectiveness in improving parenting practices and reducing child behavior problems.

In a mixed-methods study involving participant self-reports, significant improvements were observed in parental efficacy and child behavior from baseline to 4 weeks post-intervention, indicating the program's potential as a valuable resource for families lacking access to traditional parenting interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a brief, online parenting program: Expanding access to Evidence-Based parenting intervention content. Holtrop, K., Casaburo, G., Hickman, T., et al.[2023]

The Virtual-VIPP program, an online adaptation of a parenting intervention, has been shown to be feasible and well-received by families, demonstrating similar effectiveness to traditional face-to-face methods.

A systematic review of 17 trials indicates that online parenting interventions can reach a broader audience and offer better cost-effectiveness, but further rigorous testing of their efficacy is necessary.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development of the virtual-VIPP and a systematic review of online support for families during the COVID-19 pandemic. van Ijzendoorn, MH., Stevens, E., Bakermans-Kranenburg, MJ.[2023]

A systematic review of 75 studies published between 1998 and 2010 found that online parenting support generally leads to positive outcomes for parents and children, with a total of 1,615 parents and 740 children involved in experimental evaluations.

The review highlights that most online resources focus on supporting parents of preschool children, particularly in health-related topics, but suggests that combining multiple support components in one platform is still uncommon, indicating room for improvement in future online parenting interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer and professional parenting support on the Internet: a systematic review. Nieuwboer, CC., Fukkink, RG., Hermanns, JM.[2018]

The eConnect online parenting program was highly feasible for forcibly displaced parents, achieving 100% enrollment and 89.6% attendance, indicating strong acceptability and engagement with the intervention.

The program significantly improved youth mental health problems and family functioning, suggesting it effectively supports displaced families, although it unexpectedly worsened parent-reported youth attachment insecurity, highlighting the need for further investigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Attachment and trauma-informed programme to support forcibly displaced parents of youth in Sweden: feasibility and preliminary outcomes of the eConnect Online programme. Kristen, A., Salari, R., Moretti, M., et al.[2023]

Over half of the military parents (52.2%) used online components of a parenting program, while a majority (73.2%) attended at least one face-to-face session, indicating a strong interest in both formats.

Parents with higher education levels and those offered incentives were more likely to engage in online components, while those with longer deployment times were less likely to participate online, suggesting that tailored approaches may enhance engagement in Internet-based interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

If You Build It, Will They Come? Patterns of Internet-Based and Face-To-Face Participation in a Parenting Program for Military Families. Doty, JL., Rudi, JH., Pinna, KL., et al.[2018]

The adaptation of the Parents Connect for Healthy Living (PConnect) program from in-person to virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic was successful, maintaining core elements while modifying session length and group composition, which allowed for higher participation rates, especially via smartphones.

The virtual format of PConnect was found to be acceptable and appropriate for low-income, ethnically diverse families, demonstrating that digital interventions can effectively reach and engage participants in resource-limited settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adaptation and implementation outcomes of a parenting program for low-income, ethnically diverse families delivered virtually versus in-person. Grafft, N., Aftosmes-Tobio, A., Gago, C., et al.[2023]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Low-Income Parents' Perceptions of and Engagement With a Digital Behavioral Parent Training Program: A Mixed-Methods Study. [2021]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of Internet-based Parent Training for Low-income Parents of Young Children. [2019]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors of Program Use and Child and Parent Outcomes of A Brief Online Parenting Intervention. [2018]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Understanding and Parenting Children's Noncompliant Behavior: The Efficacy of an Online Training Workshop for Resource Parents. [2020]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A brief online mindful parenting program: Feasibility and initial effects pilot in a community sample. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a brief, online parenting program: Expanding access to Evidence-Based parenting intervention content. [2023]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development of the virtual-VIPP and a systematic review of online support for families during the COVID-19 pandemic. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer and professional parenting support on the Internet: a systematic review. [2018]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Attachment and trauma-informed programme to support forcibly displaced parents of youth in Sweden: feasibility and preliminary outcomes of the eConnect Online programme. [2023]

10. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

If You Build It, Will They Come? Patterns of Internet-Based and Face-To-Face Participation in a Parenting Program for Military Families. [2018]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adaptation and implementation outcomes of a parenting program for low-income, ethnically diverse families delivered virtually versus in-person. [2023]